Your dogs and the heat: How hot is too hot to walk your dog; and what other things should we know.

Before we debate how hot is too hot, let's understand a little about our dogs in order to understand the situation: 

First, dogs are not like us. They don't regulate heat in the same way. For them, there are two main options to release heat: One - through panting; and the second through the paws of their feet. This means the issue isn't just about burning their paws (which is a big reason why people turn to booties and think they've solved the problem), the issue is ensuring the dog has the ability to cool down through their paws and their mouth.

So now consider two scenarios: A dog who has a muzzle on that's incorrectly fitted. This dog will overheat rapidly regardless of what the temperature is. Why? Because a correctly fitted muzzle should allow the entire dog's mouth to open inside the muzzle, thus allowing it to pant and regulate heat. An incorrectly fitted muzzle will not allow the dog's mouth to open, and thus the dog cannot open-mouth-pant and therefore will be unable to regulate their heat.

Next: A dog who is wearing booties. Well-meaning owners go out and think they're doing their dog a favour by buying little booties that fit on their dog's feet. They do so because they've seen the pictures of burnt paw pads and they think oh I need to protect my little one's feet. Again though, if you purchase the wrong type of bootie (i.e. a waterproof one for winter, or a cheap one that doesn't allow breathability) then again regardless of temperature you've just made it incredibly difficult for your dog to regulate their body temperature, and so your dog is likely to overheat.

So what is the answer?

Generally speaking, a dog that is not heat intolerant (i.e. not cold-weather dogs like Malamutes, Huskies, Akita's etc.); or Brachyscome dogs (i.e. like Pugs, Mastiffs, Boxers, Frenchies) or with health issues, can be walked happily up to 24 degrees Celsius.

Though, be smart, you know yourself, if you hit a 24 degree day in the middle of winter after weeks of 16... the 24 feels like 30. Because you haven't acclimatised to it. It is the same for your dog. This is why when I was living in Michigan, USA, I saw a boy in shorts and a singlet going for a walk when it was only 2 degrees... because we'd just come out of weeks of minus 40! So, if you do hit one of those comparably warmer days in winter, understand your dog also needs time to acclimatise.

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The next thing to consider is why not just when it's too hot to touch with the back of your hand.

Here's why. The too-hot-for-the-back-of-your-hand- temperature is usually around the 28 degree Celsius mark. Which is higher than what I've recommended above. So why do I recommend less than this? Because it's not about your dog's paws being burnt. Yes, that's awful! But the danger isn't just in blistering paws. The danger is in the dog not being able to regulate heat. So, if you walk your dog on a surface that is warm - not talking hot, just warm- and the air is also warm, and the dog needs to cool down, they cannot. Because all they have is their panting, which is not enough. They need to be able to release that heat through their paws but with the ground being warm they can't. Hence, if you're waiting for the ground to be too hot to touch, you're actually waiting too long.

So what to do instead:

If you're where we live, summer doesn't have too many under-24-days. Sometimes not even in the evening or morning. Sometimes not even in the middle of the night. Of course, the first suggestion will be: If you've got a day with a morning or evening of 24 or under temperature then go for a walk then. But on the days when you don't, here are some suggestions:

1. Use mental enrichment games i.e. scent tracking, snuffle mats, hide and seek, tricks, agility etc.

2. If you're blessed with a large inside area, play with them there.

3. Play in a shaded grassy area and keep play to short duration. Follow the dog's cues and allow them to rest whenever they want. BUT do NOT assume your dog will rest when they need. Some dogs - particularly working dogs, will just keep going. It is not a myth that you can run your dog to the point they drop dead. You definitely can. Likewise if you have a sun-bathing dog like ours who would otherwise choose to lay on the boiling hot concrete and sun tan themselves for hours on end, realise just like a child who doesn't always know what's best for them, neither does your dog. Heat stroke is a real issue.

4. Provide fresh water for your dogs frequently to drink.

5. Go to Mitre 10 grab one of those sandpit claim shells for $15. Fill it with water and play fetch in and out of the water with them. Side note: if you're taking your dog to the beach, bear in mind the same issues present as sand gets extremely hot. Also, an additional note on beach going; be very mindful that playing fetch on the beach isn't always a good thing as when your dog picks up the ball, they are likely to be ingesting large amounts of sand also. This sand can cause intestinal blockages and can kill. Likewise salt content (from a wet soggy salt water logged ball) is also an issue.

6. If you're walking a short distance i.e. from your car to the shop door this is where those booties do come in handy, as it's not so much about heat regulation that's the issue here as it is about short exposure to radiant heat (from the pavement/bitumen etc) which could cause burns. So throw some booties on, or carry them, or a stroller, or pick the path that's shortest, most shaded and get there real quick. Do not stop to talk on the bitumen.

Other important facts about heat:

1. Do not leave your dog in a car. Doesn't matter if the windows are down. If it's hot, it's hotter in that car. Do not leave them.

2. Do not tie them up in the sun. Doesn't matter if it's on the grass. Tie them up where there's shade. Yes that might mean walking further, but I'm sure you wouldn't enjoy sitting out in the sun on a hot day even if there was grass under your tush.

3. Do not leave them in an area without access to water. Dogs need access to water. And, while we're on the topic of water - remember, communal water bowls, while better than nothing if you've forgotten yours, are NOT ideal. Take your own water and water bowl.

4. For therapy dogs in settings where you are required to have your dog with you- possibly in heat-soaked areas, this is what I have always done with Pauley:

A) Asked that we do yard duty in the shaded areas. If this couldn't be catered for, then I would leave him inside and I would go and do yard duty by myself.

B) At events i.e. school sports day, where the sun and heat are high. I would hang out with Pauley in the grassy shaded areas. I would communicate this prior to the day, and if the school required me to be in the sun, then I would leave Pauley at home.

C) Taking Pauley into venues from the car, I would follow my above suggestions on avoiding the pavement. Bear in mind if you use booties, once you are inside take them off. Your dog still needs to regulate their temperature inside also, and the booties do hinder this.

On the whole, remember, heat can kill. And even if it doesn't, heat will cause discomfort. Your best friend deserves better..